It's all about the journey - South Central graduates 55

“Because we will walk it only once, then how important is it that we should walk it with some purpose that we can call our own.”

— South Central class of 2007 motto

The Trojans bid a fond farewell to 55 members of their family Sunday, and the theme of the day was undoubtedly journeys.

“We don’t just become who we are overnight,” said Roberta Kuhlman, who was one of three students to offer a commencement speech. “It took a long time of guidance and nurture for us to mature into the young adults we are today.”

Cassidy Keiser and Luke Priddy, the valedictorian and salutatorian respectively, also gave speeches that touched on their development from childhood to adulthood.

Keiser recalled the days when she used to wonder, “Are we there yet?” and now she knows better.

“As time has passed, I have come to realize it was the journey that was truly important, and not the destination,” she said.

Priddy said his journey would not have been the same if not for his classmates. After being home schooled until sixth grade, he was literally shaking with fear on his first day at South Central. But everyone accepted him.

“There is something about this class that makes us ... refreshing, I think,” he said, before adding, “And to the faculty I say, you’re welcome.”

The musical selection during the ceremony echoed the theme of journeys.

The South Central High School Choir delivered a powerful rendition of “Lean on Me” that ended in a standing ovation and brought tears to some in the audience.

The ceremony also included a video slide show featuring pictures of the graduating class from elementary school through high school.

Following the slide show was the awards presentation.

Brandon Bisel, Mathew Conger and Keiser received activity cups. Individual subject awards were presented to the following students:

Priddy closed his remarks with a quote from Mark Twain that summed up the ceremony’s main topic: “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do, than by the ones you did. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream.”